MANILA, Philippines—The 56-year-old son of a former judge was killed after a fire broke out in the house owned by his father in Paco, Manila before dawn Sunday.

The body of Rafael Pulido, son of retired Judge Vicente Pulido, was found by Manila Fire Department (MFD) personnel after the fire that struck the house at 1289 Burgos Street was put out.

Fire Officer 3 Victor Bag-id, arson investigator, said the younger Pulido was found inside his room on the second floor, lying face down near the door.

Bag-id added that the victim apparently suffocated while trying to escape from the fire which started in his room.

MFD reports showed that the blaze started at 2:55 a.m. and was put out at 3:33 a.m., preventing it from spreading to other houses.

The house, Bag-id said, was owned by the former judge. The victim, he added, was looking after the house and was by himself when the fire started.

Damage to property was estimated at P40,000 while the case of the fire was still being investigated.

The victim’s body was brought to the Ilagan Funeral Homes for autopsy.